Script vs. Plot: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 19, 2023
"Script" is the written text of a play, movie, or broadcast, while "plot" refers to the sequence of events inside a story.
Key Differences
Script" refers to the comprehensive written version of a performance piece, such as a play, film, television show, or radio program. It not only contains dialogues but also stage directions, settings, and actions. "Plot," however, signifies the sequence of events that make up a story. It's the driving force behind the script, providing a reason for what the characters say and do. While a script is a tangible, detailed document, a plot is more of an abstract concept that structures the narrative.
In scriptwriting, the "script" is the final product that actors will use to bring their characters to life. It is precise, often including specific instructions for dialogue and movement. Conversely, the "plot" is the backbone of the narrative, the guiding plan that ensures the script has coherence and direction. The plot is the story's essence, while the script is how the story is specifically laid out and communicated.
When analyzing a film or play, the "script" can be seen as the blueprint of the production. It's the detailed guide that everyone involved in the production follows. On the other side, the "plot" is the story itself and can be understood without seeing the script. It's possible to summarize the plot without ever reading the script, but reading the script inherently reveals the plot.
From a writer's perspective, a "script" requires a detailed writing style, dictating the performers' dialogue and sometimes even their inflections or movements. In contrast, creating a "plot" involves crafting a compelling series of events and character developments that keep the audience engaged. The plot must be strong and interesting enough to warrant writing a script for it.
Culturally, a "script" is often associated with the realms of theater, cinema, and broadcasting - it's a professional term used in a specific industry. The "plot," however, is a more universal term, applicable to any kind of story, whether it's a novel, a movie, a play, or even a video game. The plot is about the content, or what happens; the script is about form, or how what happens is expressed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Written text for a performance
Sequence of events in a story
Function
Serves as a blueprint for productions
Drives the narrative of the story
Form
Concrete, detailed document
Conceptual, abstract sequence
Usage
Specific to performance arts
Universal in storytelling
Components
Includes dialogue, instructions
Comprises events, conflicts, resolutions
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Script and Plot Definitions
Script
Handwriting as distinct from print.
Her script is so elegant it's almost calligraphic.
Plot
The sequence of events making up a story.
The book's plot was full of unexpected twists.
Script
A prescribed course of medical treatment.
The doctor's script included a new medication.
Plot
The act of marking the position of points on a graph.
The plot of the data points suggested a positive correlation.
Script
Handwriting.
Plot
A burial place.
The family plot was located at the back of the cemetery.
Script
A style of writing with cursive characters.
Plot
A small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose
A garden plot.
Script
A particular system of writing
Cuneiform script.
Plot
A measured area of land; a lot.
Script
A style of type that imitates handwriting.
Plot
A ground plan, as for a building; a diagram.
Script
The matter set in this type.
Plot
See graph1.
Script
The text of a play, broadcast, or movie.
Plot
The pattern or sequence of interrelated events in a work of fiction, as a novel or film.
Script
A copy of a text used by a director or performer.
Plot
A secret plan to accomplish a hostile or illegal purpose; a scheme.
Script
(Law) The original of a legal instrument, as opposed to a copy.
Plot
To represent graphically, as on a chart
Plot a ship's course.
Script
(Computers) A simple program in a language that the computer must convert to machine language each time the program is run.
Plot
To locate (points or other figures) on a graph by means of coordinates.
Script
To prepare (a text) for filming or broadcasting.
Plot
To draw (a curve) connecting points on a graph.
Script
To arrange, direct, or control (an event or a person) as if supplying a script
"the brilliant, charming, judicial moderate scripted by his White House fans" (Ellen Goodman).
Plot
To write or develop the plot of
"I began plotting novels at about the time I learned to read" (James Baldwin).
Script
(Computers) To write (code) for a program.
Plot
To form a plot for; prearrange secretly or deviously
Plot an assassination.
Script
A writing; a written document.
Plot
To form or take part in a plot; scheme
Were plotting for months before the attack.
Script
Written characters; style of writing.
Plot
To write or develop the plot for a work of fiction
A good mystery writer must plot well.
Script
(typography) Type made in imitation of handwriting.
Plot
(narratology) The course of a story, comprising a series of incidents which are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means.
Script
An original instrument or document.
Plot
An area or land used for building on or planting on.
Script
(countable) The written document containing the dialogue and action for a drama; the text of a stage play, movie, or other performance. Especially, the final form used for the performance itself.
Plot
A graph or diagram drawn by hand or produced by a mechanical or electronic device.
Script
(computing) A file containing a list of user commands, allowing them to be invoked once to execute in sequence.
Plot
A secret plan to achieve an end, the end or means usually being illegal or otherwise questionable.
The plot would have enabled them to get a majority on the board.
The assassination of Lincoln was part of a larger plot.
Script
(psychology) A behavioral script; sequence of actions in a given situation.
Plot
Contrivance; deep reach thought; ability to plot or intrigue.
Script
(linguistics) A system of writing adapted to a particular language or set of languages.
Plot
Participation in any stratagem or conspiracy.
Script
(informal) prescription for drugs or medicine
Plot
A plan; a purpose.
Script
(transitive) To make or write a script.
Plot
Attractive physical attributes of characters involved in a story, originating from ironic juxtaposition with the original meaning (course of the story).
I'm not sure what's happening in that show, I mainly watch it for the plot.
Script
(transitive) To devise, concoct, or contrive.
Plot
To conceive (a crime, misdeed etc).
They had plotted a robbery.
They were plotting against the king.
Script
A writing; a written document.
Plot
(transitive) To trace out (a graph or diagram).
They plotted the number of edits per day.
Script
Type made in imitation of handwriting.
Plot
(transitive) To mark (a point on a graph, chart, etc).
Every five minutes they plotted their position.
Script
An original instrument or document.
Plot
A small extent of ground; a plat; as, a garden plot.
Script
Written characters; style of writing.
Plot
A plantation laid out.
Script
A written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
Plot
A plan or draught of a field, farm, estate, etc., drawn to a scale.
Script
Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible
Plot
Any scheme, stratagem, secret design, or plan, of a complicated nature, adapted to the accomplishment of some purpose, usually a treacherous and mischievous one; a conspiracy; an intrigue; as, the Rye-house Plot.
I have overheard a plot of death.
O, think what anxious moments pass betweenThe birth of plots and their last fatal periods!
Script
A particular orthography or writing system
Plot
A share in such a plot or scheme; a participation in any stratagem or conspiracy.
And when Christ saith, Who marries the divorced commits adultery, it is to be understood, if he had any plot in the divorce.
Script
Write a script for;
The playwright scripted the movie
Plot
Contrivance; deep reach of thought; ability to plot or intrigue.
Script
The written text of a play, film, or broadcast.
The director praised the script for its compelling dialogue.
Plot
A plan; a purpose.
Script
A set of characters used for writing in a particular language.
The Greek script has been used since the 8th century BC.
Plot
In fiction, the story of a play, novel, romance, or poem, comprising a complication of incidents which are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means.
If the plot or intrigue must be natural, and such as springs from the subject, then the winding up of the plot must be a probable consequence of all that went before.
Script
A sequence of commands written for computer programming.
He wrote a script to automate the data analysis.
Plot
To make a plot, map, pr plan, of; to mark the position of on a plan; to delineate.
This treatise plotteth down Cornwall as it now standeth.
Plot
To form a scheme of mischief against another, especially against a government or those who administer it; to conspire.
The wicked plotteth against the just.
Plot
To contrive a plan or stratagem; to scheme.
The prince did plot to be secretly gone.
Plot
To plan; to scheme; to devise; to contrive secretly.
Plot
A secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal);
They concocted a plot to discredit the governor
I saw through his little game from the start
Plot
A small area of ground covered by specific vegetation;
A bean plot
A cabbage patch
A briar patch
Plot
The story that is told in a novel or play or movie etc.;
The characters were well drawn but the plot was banal
Plot
A chart or map showing the movements or progress of an object
Plot
Plan secretly, usually something illegal;
They plotted the overthrow fo the government
Plot
Make a schematic or technical drawing of that shows how things work or how they are constructed
Plot
Make a plat of;
Plat the town
Plot
A secret plan or scheme to accomplish a purpose.
They uncovered a plot to steal the crown jewels.
Plot
A small piece of land.
She bought a small plot of land to start her garden.
FAQs
Can a plot change during storytelling?
Yes, plots can evolve with the development of characters and events.
Does a script dictate all actor movements?
It can, but it often leaves room for direction and actor interpretation.
What makes a script different from a screenplay?
A screenplay specifically refers to scripts written for the screen, like movies or TV.
Are scripts used in all forms of storytelling?
No, scripts are specific to performance arts like theatre, film, and television.
What's a subplot?
A subplot is a secondary strand of the plot, often enhancing the main storyline.
How long is a typical script?
Film scripts are typically 90-120 pages, but it can vary widely.
Is the plot always obvious in a story?
Not always, some stories may have complex or subtle plots that unfold slowly.
Do scripts include character backstories?
They might, especially if it informs the character's actions or dialogue.
Can a script exist without a plot?
No, a script requires a plot to give the narrative structure and purpose.
Can a plot have multiple arcs?
Yes, complex stories often have several interwoven plot arcs.
What’s a plot twist?
An unexpected development in a story that changes audience understanding.
What format do scripts typically use?
There's a standard screenplay format used in the film industry, which includes specific margin, font, and spacing guidelines.
Do all scripts get produced into movies or plays?
No, many scripts never advance to production for various reasons.
Can you copyright a script?
Yes, scripts, like other written works, can be copyrighted.
Can the plot be predictable?
Some plots follow familiar patterns, but good storytelling often includes unique elements.
Are scripts only for fictional stories?
No, scripts can also be written for documentaries or non-fiction narratives.
Can a plot be nonlinear?
Yes, plots can be told in a non-chronological manner, jumping around in time.
Is the climax the most important part of a plot?
It's crucial as the moment of greatest tension, but all elements of the plot are important.
Does a plot need a conflict?
Conflict is central to most plots, driving the narrative forward.
How important is pacing in a plot?
Pacing is crucial; it affects suspense, engagement, and the story's emotional impact.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
